Hidden Love star Zhao Lusi speaks out about health struggles, suffering abuse in emotional post: 'I was labelled as useless'

Chinese actress Zhao Lusi has broken her silence on her health crisis after reports of her deteriorating health condition broke the internet, leaving her fans and followers in shambles. The Hidden Love actress poured her heart out in a gut-wrenching post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, revealing she has been facing depressive episodes since 2019, and it wasn't until 2024 that she began suffering severe physical symptoms.

Zhao Lusi shares her health diagnosis with fans

Zhao Lusi started her new year by sharing a heartfelt note on her Weibo account, where she opened up about her struggles. Revealing that she has been diagnosed with Dissociative [Conversion] Disorder with Anxiety Condition, she shared 57 pictures, including those of her recovery, to wrap up 2024. She captioned her post, "Brief is life, but love is long."

#ZhaoLusi courageously shared her diagnosis with a caption:?

¡°????? ?? ????, ??? ???? ?? ????¡±

Diagnosis:
Dissociative [Conversion] Disorder with Anxiety Condition

Treatment:
?BMI < 18.5, malnutrition identified. Referral to the Nutrition Department¡­ pic.twitter.com/Xh1eNIKC6h

¡ª Jodi (@itsmejodiiii) January 1, 2025

Zhao Lusi opens up about health struggles in a long note

Furthermore, the Who Rules the World actress shared a lengthy note, sharing a detailed account of her physical and mental struggles.

Zhao revealed that she had previously tried to keep her illness from impacting her work and those around her. However, the last 15 days have given her a lot to think about. She acknowledged that she bears some responsibility for her current situation, admitting that she had ignored her own needs and well-being, leading to her current state.

The actress expressed her heartfelt gratitude towards her profession, which has provided her with immense support and help. She acknowledged that this support has allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and misunderstandings she has faced.

"I fully support the idea that anyone can choose the career they aspire to at any time. You always have the right to leave the hardships and exhaustion of your current situation. You can stop whenever you want; you are free, and you can be brave," she added.

Zhao Lusi on suffering abuse in the industry

She acknowledged that many people have faced injustices and grievances, and she has heard numerous disturbing stories. But she emphasised that it is unacceptable for individuals to be silenced and marginalized, while their abusers continue to act with impunity, regardless of their profession, age, or gender.

"If someone, without receiving any support, is silenced while their abuser grows bolder, regardless of profession, age, or gender, I believe that is wrong. It¡¯s absurd to force someone to reopen old wounds to prove they¡¯re not ¡°overthinking,¡± not ¡°too weak,¡± or not ¡°unsatisfied.¡±

The actress opens up about her health condition

Zhao Lusi opened up about her struggles with mental health, revealing that she began experiencing depressive symptoms in 2019. Despite her concerns, she was told to "think positively" and didn't take her mental health seriously. Over the years, her symptoms worsened, and she faced a series of physical and emotional challenges, including anxiety, pneumonia, and the loss of a loved one. It wasn't until 2024, when she started experiencing severe physical symptoms like dry heaving and joint pain, that she realized she needed to prioritize her well-being and seek help.

"I was often labelled as useless"

"When I was a child, I was often labelled as ¡°useless¡± and a ¡°pretty face.¡± During after-school tutoring, a teacher once hit me in their dorm. I believed it was justified because I wasn¡¯t performing well academically and didn¡¯t dare to speak up, thinking, ¡°I must be the problem,"" she added.

"As I grew up, I was hit again after failing an acting audition. I thought it was my fault for not succeeding, so I stayed silent and only wanted to escape. I was used to handling everything on my own and never sought help. Later, after my work started getting recognition, I finally gained the confidence to say goodbye to that chapter of my life," she wrote.

Hinting at being tormented by her previous management team, she said that someone demanded a significant "termination of contract fee" from her, and even after receiving it, continued to spread rumors and slander about her, both within and outside the industry. This led to a barrage of gossip and negative attention, causing her significant emotional pain and harm that has persisted over time.

'Didn't want to labelled as a publicity stunt'

Zhao added that she understands that she can't have everything she wants and that it's unrealistic to expect perfection from those around her. She acknowledged that her loved ones have done their best to support and protect her, and that their efforts are truly appreciated.

"I¡¯ve never publicly mentioned my illness before because I didn¡¯t want it to be labeled as a ¡°publicity stunt.¡± However, given the current circumstances, I hope this can raise awareness," she added.

She further noted, "Feeling depressed can be an emotion, but depression as an illness is a medical condition. It cannot be resolved by simply ¡°thinking positively¡± or ¡°talking it out.¡±

Zhao Lusi encouraged those who feel misunderstood to prioritise their mental health and break free from the cycle of explanation and self-doubt. She emphasised that understanding and caring for one's mental well-being is crucial, and that regret is a wasted emotion.

She concluded with the words, "Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and endless happiness."

Feeling depressed can be an emotion, but depression as an illness is a medical condition. It cannot be resolved by simply ¡°thinking positively¡± or ¡°talking it out.¡±

To those who share my feelings of being ¡°truly understood¡±: whether or not others understand is no longer¡­

¡ª jov ?? (@wonwoncity) January 1, 2025

Zhao Lusi's friends had exposed her company in a social media post

Zhao Lusi's post comes a day after her close friend dropped a shocking post, unveiling years of abuse that the 26-year-old went through at the hands of her management. The friend specifically detailed a 2019 actor, revealing Zhao was beaten and mentally abused for hours, which forced her into a dark space.

Fans pray for Zhao Lusi's recovery

Zhao Lusi was hospitalised on December 18, but it wasn't until last week that fans got to know about her health crisis. After visuals of her being taken to hospital went viral, concerned fans took to social media to pray for her swift recovery.

After Zhao' heartbreaking note, fans have now lauded her for speaking out her truth and have been rallying around her with messages of support and love.

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